Compositions and methods for capture of cellular targets of bioactive agents

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compositions and methods for capture and identification of the cellular targets of a bioactive agent. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to capture ligand, cellular targets (optionally tagged with a reporter), capture proteins (optionally present as capture dimers), surfaces (e.g., displaying, capture ligands, capture proteins, or capture dimers), and methods of capturing and identifying the cellular targets of a bioactive agent therewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/788,313 filed Mar. 15, 2013; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention provides compositions and methods for capture and identification of the cellular targets of a bioactive agent. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to capture ligand, cellular targets (optionally tagged with a reporter), capture proteins (optionally present as capture dimers), surfaces (e.g., displaying, capture ligands, capture proteins, or capture dimers), and methods of capturing and identifying the cellular targets of a bioactive agent therewith.

BACKGROUND

Cell-based phenotypic screening is increasingly being used for discovery of bioactive drug candidates. Discovering and validating protein targets for such bioactive small molecules in vivo often uses a combination of affinity enrichment and mass spectrometry methods. Such methods face several challenges. First, the moderate to weak binding between a small molecule and a protein target makes it hard to capture a target protein or protein complexes or biases the results towards high affinity interactors. Moreover, affinity enrichment methods typically use a solid support immobilized with the candidate small molecule. The kinetics of binding on solid surfaces is much slower when compared to solution-based kinetics, further decreasing the chance of capturing a target protein or protein complexes. Non-specific binding of proteins from cell lysate to the solid support results in high background that further complicates the identification of the cellular target using mass spectrometry (MS). Such methods often result in a large number of putative hits, making it necessary to run secondary screens to validate the potential targets. High-throughput validation assays for small molecule-protein interactions requires further development and optimization making it resource intensive process.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and systems (e.g., cells, reaction mixture, kit, container, etc.) comprising: (a) a cellular target of a bioactive agent; (b) a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein; (c) the bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand, wherein the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein upon interaction thereof; and (d) a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand, wherein the second capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the second capture protein upon interaction thereof. In some embodiments, the cellular target is expressed intracellularly as a fusion with a reporter. In some embodiments, the reporter is a bioluminescent reporter. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 3 (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%). In some embodiments, the first and second capture proteins both comprise at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 1 (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%). In some embodiments, the dimer is a homodimer. In some embodiments, the bioactive agent is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a binding partner of the bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the first capture ligand and second capture ligand comprise the same molecular structure. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a selected from the list consisting of: well, tube, slide, plate, matrix, resin, or bead. In some embodiments, the cellular target is bound to the bioactive agent, the first capture protein is bound to the first capture ligand, and the second capture protein is bound to the second capture ligand on the solid surface.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of capturing the cellular target comprising the steps of: (a) administering a bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand to a cell comprising a cellular target of the bioactive agent under conditions such that the cellular target binds the bioactive agent; (b) lysing the cell to produce a cell lysate; (c) contacting the cell lysate with a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein under conditions in which the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein; (d) contacting the cell lysate with a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand under conditions in which the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein; and (e) separating the solid surface from the cell lysate. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of capturing the cellular target comprising the steps of: (a) administering a bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand to a cell comprising a cellular target of the bioactive agent under conditions such that the cellular target binds the bioactive agent; (b) lysing the cell to produce a cell lysate; (c) contacting the cell lysate with a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand bound to a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein, wherein the second capture protein and the second capture ligand are covalently bound; and (d) separating the solid surface from the cell lysate. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a fusion with a reporter protein.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of capturing the cellular target comprising the steps of: (a) administering a bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand to a cell comprising a cellular target of the bioactive agent under conditions such that the cellular target binds the bioactive agent; (b) contacting the first capture ligand with a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein under conditions in which the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein; (c) contacting the dimer with a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand under conditions in which the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein; and (d) separating the solid surface from the cell lysate. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of capturing the cellular target comprising the steps of: (a) administering a bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand to a cell comprising a cellular target of the bioactive agent under conditions such that the cellular target binds the bioactive agent; (b) contacting the first capture ligand with a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand bound to a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein, wherein the second capture protein and the second capture ligand are covalently bound; and (c) separating the solid surface from the cell lysate. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a fusion with a reporter protein. In some embodiments, the product of steps (a) and/or (b) exits the cells (e.g., secreted, exocytosis, active removal) without cell lysis.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides cell lysate, cell component, or cell fraction, of a cell comprising: (a) a cellular target of a bioactive agent, and (b) a bioactive agent tethered to a first capture ligand; the cell lysate further comprising: (c) a dimer of a first capture protein and a second capture protein, wherein the first capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the first capture protein upon interaction thereof, and (d) a solid surface displaying a second capture ligand, wherein the second capture ligand forms a covalent bond with the second capture protein upon interaction thereof. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a fusion with a reporter protein. In some embodiments, the reporter protein is a bioluminescent reporter. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 3 (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%). In some embodiments, the first and second capture proteins both comprise at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 1 (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%). In some embodiments, the dimer is a homodimer. In some embodiments, the bioactive agent is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a binding partner of the bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the first capture ligand and second capture ligand comprise the same molecular structure. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a selected from the list consisting of: well, tube, slide, plate, resin, or bead. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is magnetic. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is paramagnetic. In some embodiments, the cellular target is bound to the bioactive agent, the first capture protein is bound to the first capture ligand, and the second capture protein is bound to the second capture ligand on the solid surface.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and systems (e.g., cells, reaction mixture, kit, container, etc.) comprising: (a) a cellular target of a bioactive agent; (b) the bioactive agent tethered to a capture ligand; and (c) a solid surface displaying a capture protein, wherein the capture protein forms a covalent bond with the capture ligand upon interaction thereof. In some embodiments, the cellular target is expressed intracellularly as a fusion with a reporter. In some embodiments, the reporter is a bioluminescent reporter. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 3. In some embodiments, the capture protein comprises at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 1. In some embodiments, the bioactive agent is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a binding partner of the bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a selected from the list consisting of: well, tube, slide, plate, matrix, resin, or bead. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is magnetic. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is paramagnetic. In some embodiments, the cellular target is bound to the bioactive agent, and the capture protein is bound to the capture ligand.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of capturing the cellular target comprising the steps of: (a) administering a bioactive agent tethered to a capture ligand to a cell comprising a cellular target of the bioactive agent under conditions such that the cellular target binds the bioactive agent; (b) lysing the cell to produce a cell lysate; (c) contacting the cell lysate with a solid surface displaying a capture protein under conditions in which the capture protein forms a covalent bond with the capture ligand; and (d) separating the solid surface from the cell lysate. In some embodiments, the reporter is a bioluminescent reporter. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 3. In some embodiments, the capture protein comprises at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 1. In some embodiments, the bioactive agent is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a binding partner of the bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a selected from the list consisting of: well, tube, slide, plate, matrix, or bead. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is magnetic. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is paramagnetic. In some embodiments, the cellular target is bound to the bioactive agent, and the capture protein is bound to the capture ligand.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a cell lysate of a cell comprising: (a) a cellular target of a bioactive agent; and (b) a bioactive agent tethered to a capture ligand; the cell lysate further comprising: (c) a solid surface displaying a capture protein, wherein the capture protein forms a covalent bond with the capture ligand upon interaction thereof. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a fusion with a reporter protein. In some embodiments, the reporter protein is a bioluminescent reporter. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 3. In some embodiments, the capture protein comprises at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.: 1. In some embodiments, the bioactive agent is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the cellular target is a binding partner of the bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the solid surface is a selected from the list consisting of: well, tube, slide, plate, matrix, or bead. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is magnetic. In some embodiments, a solid surface (e.g., resin, bead, etc.) is paramagnetic. In some embodiments, the cellular target is bound to the bioactive agent, and the capture protein is bound to the capture ligand.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of embodiments of the present invention for rapid and specific capture of bioactive agent tethered to a capture ligand (e.g., SM-HTL) complexed with protein or protein complexes using a capture protein (e.g. HALOTAG).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of embodiments of the present invention for rapid and specific elution of protein complexes using various methods.

FIG. 3 shows graph depicting the effect of bead volume, and the presence or absence of SM-HTL on luminescence in various capture assays: (A) p38α and BIRB-chloroalkane, (B) HDAC6 and SAHA-chloroalkane; (C) BIRB-chloroalkane pull-down with overexpressed NANOLUC-p38α; and (D) SAHA-chloroalkane pull-down with overexpressed NANOLUC-HDAC6

FIG. 4 shows Western/silver stain analysis using anti-p38 of lysates following a p38α and BIRB-chloroalkane capture assay.

FIG. 5 shows a graph depicting the ability of embodiments of the present invention to capture target proteins that bind to drugs with low to moderate affinity.

FIG. 6 shows graphs depicting the use of a carbamate chloroalkane linker for pull-down of a target protein from cells using chloroalkane modified small molecules: (A) binding efficiency of methotrexate-CA conjugates to HALOTAG in cell lysate, (B) binding efficiency of methotrexate-CA conjugates to nluc:DHFR in live cells, and (C) effect of chloroalkane linker on capture of nluc:DHFR from HEK293 cells.

FIG. 7 shows a graph depicting the effect of various release methods on signal-over-background.

FIG. 8 shows (A) a Western blot demonstrating specific pull down of DHFR (21 kDa) with Methotrexate-CA, and (B) mass spectrometry analysis of proteins pulled down by Methotrexate-CA from HEK293 cells.

FIG. 9 shows (A) a Western blot demonstrating specific pull down of p38 (41 kDa) with BIRB-CA, and (B) mass spectrometry analysis of proteins pulled down by BIRB-CA from HEK293 cells.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “capture protein” refers to a protein which forms a stable covalent bond with its substrate and/or ligand upon interaction therewith. A capture protein may be a receptor that forms a covalent bond upon binding its ligand, or an enzyme that forms a covalent bond with its substrate. An example of a suitable capture protein for use in embodiments of the present invention is the HALOTAG protein described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,436 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

As used herein, the term “capture dimer” refers to fusion of two copies of a capture protein (e.g., heterodimer, homodimer, etc.). The capture proteins are stably linked, tethered, and/or fused in a manner such that each capture protein within the dimer is capable of forming a covalent bond with a substrate and/or ligand. The capture proteins may be attached directly to each other or may be separated by a linker (e.g., peptide or other chain or polymer). The capture proteins may be expressed as a fusion protein (e.g., with or without a linker) or may be chemically or enzymatically linked post-expression.

As used herein, the term “capture ligand” refers to a ligand, substrate, etc. that forms a covalent bond with capture protein upon interaction therewith. An example of a suitable capture ligand for use in embodiments of the present invention is the HALOTAG ligand described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,436 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides compositions and methods for capture and identification of the cellular targets of a bioactive agent. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to capture ligand, cellular targets (optionally tagged with a reporter), capture proteins (optionally present as capture dimers), surfaces (e.g., displaying capture ligands, capture proteins or capture dimers) and methods of capturing and identifying the cellular targets of a bioactive agent therewith.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a sensitive method for discovery and validation of the cellular targets (e.g., protein or protein complexes) of bioactive agents (e.g., small and/or drug-like molecules) in cells (See FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the present invention finds use as a part of, or a companion to, phenotypic screening assays. For example, a set of small molecules that yield the desired phenotypic response in a phenotypic screen are each tethered to capture ligands (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) by chemical synthesis or enzymatic means. Cells are treated with the small molecule/capture ligand conjugate (e.g., small molecule-HALOTAG ligand conjugate (SM-HTL)) which engages the cellular target (optionally fused with a reporter) and re-generates the phenotypic response. In some embodiments, cells are then lysed, and the cellular target, now linked to the capture ligand through bioactive agent, is captured by binding of the capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) with a capture dimer (e.g., HALOTAG dehalogenase (e.g., dehalogenase modified to covalently bind its substrate)) or capture protein displayed surface. In some embodiments, the capture dimer is in solution (and is subsequently bound to a solid surface). In other embodiments, the capture dimer is bound to a solid surface (e.g., well, microplate, bead, etc. (e.g., dimer is bound to surface displaying capture ligands on its surface)). In some embodiments, once the cells are then lysed, the cellular target, now linked to the capture ligand through bioactive agent, is captured by binding of the capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) with a capture protein (e.g., not a dimer) displayed on a solid surface (e.g., well, microplate, bead, etc.) (See FIG. 1, bottom scheme).

In some embodiments, methods are provided for the capture or “pull down” of endogenous targets (e.g., known and unknown targets of a small molecule). In some embodiments, endogenous proteins bound to a small molecule/capture ligand conjugate (e.g., (SM-HTL) are then covalently bound (e.g., pulled down) by a capture protein (e.g., displayed on a surface (e.g., bead). Such pull-down methods can be followed by analysis to identify the proteins captured. Analysis techniques may include Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. The systems, compositions, and methods provided herein provide numerous advantages when used in such a context. In certain embodiments, binding of a chloroalkane-drug conjugate (e.g., HTL-SM) in cells promotes specific interactions leading to higher probability of capturing low affinity targets. In some embodiments, the speed and efficiency of the methods provided herein (e.g., <30 minutes for covalent capture of endogenous targets (e.g., <25 minute, <20 minutes, <15 minutes, <10 minutes, <5 minutes, <1 minute) minimizes complex collapses (e.g., preserves identification of secondary targets (e.g., proteins non-covalently interacting with targets bound by a SM-HTL) and preserves low affinity interactions. In other embodiments, rapid capture minimizes non-specific capture. In certain embodiments, release of endogenous targets by competition with unconjugated drug reduces background which increases detection of low abundance targets.

In certain embodiments, after purification of the surface-(capture ligand)-(capture dimer)-(capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex (e.g., by purifying the surface (e.g., mechanical separation, washing, etc.), the cellular target is released from the solid surface (e.g., beads) by any suitable mechanism (See FIG. 2, top scheme). In some embodiments, excess untethered bioactive agent is added to the system to compete the cellular target away from the capture-ligand-tethered bioactive agent. In other embodiments, the linkage (e.g., TEV protease cleavage site) between the two capture proteins of the capture dimer is cleaved (e.g., chemically, enzymatically) to release the (capture protein)-(capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex. In still other embodiments, the linkage between the capture ligand and bioactive agent is cleaved (e.g., chemically, enzymatically) to release the (bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex.

In other embodiments, after purification of the surface-(capture protein)-(capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex (e.g., by purifying the surface (e.g., mechanical separation, washing, etc.), the cellular target is released from the solid surface (e.g., beads) by any suitable mechanism (See FIG. 2, bottom scheme). In some embodiments, excess untethered bioactive agent is added to the system to compete the cellular target away from the capture-ligand-tethered bioactive agent. In other embodiments, the linkage (e.g., TEV protease cleavage site) between the reporter and cellular target is cleaved (e.g., chemically, enzymatically) to release the reporter. In other embodiments, the linkage between the capture ligand and bioactive agent is cleaved (e.g., chemically, enzymatically) to release the (bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex. In still other embodiments, the capture protein is released from the surface, thereby releasing the entire (capture protein)-(capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complex. In any embodiments, in which the cellular target is fused/linked to a reporter, the reporter remain linked to any complex comprising the cellular target, unless otherwise specified (e.g., upon cleaving of the link between the cellular target and reporter).

In some embodiments in which the cellular target is attached/fused to a reporter molecule (e.g., fluorophore, luciferase, etc.), the cellular target, liberated from the capture complex, is detected by generating and/or detecting a signal from the reporter. In other embodiments in which the cellular target is attached/fused to a reporter molecule (e.g., fluorophore, luciferase, etc.), the cellular target, still bound to the capture complex, is detected by generating and/or detecting a signal from the reporter. In some embodiments (e.g., in which the cellular target is not attached/fused to a reporter molecule), the cellular target, liberated from the capture complex, is characterized and/or identified (e.g., by biophysical and/or biochemical analysis).

Capture of cellular targets of bioactive agents is facilitated by the interaction (e.g., covalent or non-covalent) of a capture ligand (e.g., small molecule (e.g., HALOTAG ligand)) with a capture protein (e.g., receptor protein, HALOTAG dehalogenase, etc.). In certain embodiments, the capture ligand/capture protein interaction occurs twice, in separate steps of the capture systems and methods described herein (See FIG. 1). First, a capture ligand is tethered, or otherwise attached, to the bioactive agent of interest. Once the bioactive agent has become bound to its cellular target (e.g., in vivo), a capture dimer (e.g., a homodimer of capture entities) is added, and the capture ligand is bound by one of the capture entities. Next, a solid support displaying a plurality of the same capture ligands is added, and the unbound half of the capture dimer binds to the surface. The cellular target is now tethered to the solid support by two capture ligand/capture protein interactions (See FIG. 1). In an alternative embodiment, the capture dimer is bound to the solid support (e.g., via its interaction with surface displayed capture ligands) prior to addition to the assay (and prior to binding the capture ligand tethered to the bioactive agent. Either alternative results in the same captured configuration.

In other embodiments, a capture protein is present as a capture monomer, not a capture dimer. In some embodiments, a solid support (e.g., bead) is provided displaying capture monomers (e.g., HALOTAG dehalogenase) on its surface. Capture ligands tethered to bioactive agents are immobilized on the surface when the capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) and capture protein (e.g., HALOTAG) interact. If the bioactive agent has interacted (e.g., stably) with a cellular target (e.g., tagged by a reporter), the cellular target becomes linked (e.g., through the bioactive agent, capture ligand, and capture protein) to the solid support.

In certain embodiments, compositions, methods, and systems herein provide bioactive agents. In some embodiments, a conjugate of a bioactive agent and a capture ligand is provided. In some embodiments, a bioactive agent is any small molecule, macromolecule, or molecular complex capable of interacting with the biology of a cell. In some embodiments, a bioactive agent and capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) are fused, tethered, connected, etc. by any suitable structure or mechanism (e.g., chemically linked (e.g., directly or indirectly), enzymatically linked, linked by a linker (e.g., peptide, nucleic acid, polymer, ester linkage, PEG linker, carbon chain, etc.)). The type of linkage should not be viewed as limiting.

As used herein, the term “bioactive agent” refers generally to any physiologically or pharmacologically active substance or a substance suitable for detection. In some embodiments, a bioactive agent is a potential therapeutic compound (e.g., small molecule, peptide, nucleic acid, etc.), or drug-like molecule. Bioactive agents for use in embodiments described herein are not limited by size or structure.

In certain embodiments, libraries of bioactive agents (e.g., >50 agents, >100 agents, >500 agents, >1000 agents, >5000 agents, >10,000 agents, >50,000 agents, etc.) are provided. In some embodiments, systems, methods, and compositions are provided for screening libraries of bioactive agents for a phenotypic effect and/or activity. In some embodiments, the present invention provides means of capturing the cellular target of any bioactive agents in a library responsible for producing, eliciting, inducing, etc. phenotypic effect and/or activity. In some embodiments, the present invention provides means of capturing, identifying, characterizing, etc. the cellular target of a bioactive agent (e.g., a bioactive agent responsible for the phenotypic effect and/or activity).

In some embodiments, a cellular target comprises any suitable binding/interaction partner (e.g., receptor, enzyme) for a bioactive agent (e.g., small molecule, protein, nucleic acid, lipid, etc.). In particular embodiments, a cellular target is a protein that binds to or otherwise interacts with (e.g., stably interacts with) a bioactive agent. In more particular embodiments, a cellular target is a receptor protein or an enzyme that binds to or otherwise interacts with (e.g., stably interacts with) a small molecule bioactive agent. The present invention is not limited by the identity, type, or class of cellular targets. In certain embodiments, libraries of hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, more different cellular targets find use in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the cellular target is expressed in cells in which an assay is to be performed. In some embodiments, the cellular target is expressed at or near the endogenous levels (e.g., native abundance) for the cellular target (e.g., no overexpression of cellular targets). In some embodiments, methods herein allow for capture of cellular targets present in cells at or near their natural or endogenous abundance, thereby maximizing the biological relevance of an assay. In certain embodiments, because the methods allow for capture at endogenous levels of cellular target, the methods are useful for the capture of unknown targets of a bioactive agent (e.g., those that one would not see fit to overexpress).

In a specific exemplary embodiment, the capture protein is a dehalogenase enzyme modified to form covalent bonds with its substrate (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,842; U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,436; U.S. Pat. No. 7,429,472; U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,726; U.S. Pat. No. 7,888,086; U.S. Pat. No. 7,935,803; U.S. Pat. No. RE42,931; U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,405; U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,700; U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,939; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties), referred to herein as a “HALOTAG dehalogenase,” and the capture ligand is a substrate for a HALOTAG dehalogenase, for example, a haloalkane, reference to herein as a “HALOTAG ligand.” In some embodiments, a capture protein comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity (e.g., 75% identity, 80% identity, 85% identity, 90% identity, 95% identity, 98% identity, 99% identity) with SEQ ID NO.: 1. In some embodiments, the capture ligand comprises a carbamate linker. In certain embodiments, the capture ligand is a chloroalkane ligand with a carbamate linker, e.g., a carbamate chloroalkane.

In some embodiments, a reporter is an entity capable of generating, exhibiting, and/or emitting a signal (e.g., fluorescence, resonance energy, etc.) when triggered by specific conditions (e.g., upon energy absorption). In certain embodiments, compositions, methods, and systems herein provide a fusion of a cellular target and a reporter (e.g., bioluminescent reporter (e.g., luciferase (e.g., NANOLUC))). In some embodiments, a cellular target and reporter are fused, tethered, connected, etc. by any suitable structure or mechanism (e.g., expressed as a fusion construct (e.g., with or without peptide linker), chemically linked (e.g., directly or indirectly), enzymatically linked, linked by a linker (e.g., peptide, nucleic acid, other polymer (e.g., ester linkage, PEG linker, carbon chain, etc.)).

In some embodiments, the reporter is a bioluminescent reporter (e.g., expressed as a fusion protein with the cellular target). In certain embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter is a luciferase. In some embodiments, a luciferase is selected from those found in Omphalotus olearius, fireflies (e.g., Photinini), Renilla reniformis, mutants thereof, portions thereof, variants thereof, and any other luciferase enzymes suitable for the systems and methods described herein. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter is a modified, enhanced luciferase enzyme from Oplophorus (e.g., NANOLUC enzyme from Promega Corporation, SEQ ID NO: 3 or a sequence with at least 70% identity (e.g., >70%, >80%, >90%, >95%) thereto). In some embodiments, the protein sensor is a thermostable Photuris pennsylvanica luciferase. Exemplary bioluminescent reporters are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. App. No. 2010/0281552 and U.S. Pat. App. No. 2012/0174242, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises NANOLUC (See U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 2010/0281552 and 2012/0174242, herein incorporated by reference in their entireties). In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% identity (e.g., >70%, >80%, >90%, >95%) to SEQ ID NO: 3 that retains bioluminescent characteristics. In certain embodiments, the use of the NANOLUC enzyme, or a variant thereof, provides features (e.g., signal intensity, brightness, high light output, etc.) that enable detection of capture cellular target (e.g., at low concentration). In some embodiments, the high light output of NANOLUC enables the low concentration (e.g., <1 μM, <100 nM, <10 nm, <1 nm, etc.) of assay components (e.g., DNA for expression of NANOLUC) useful to carry out assays under physiologically relevant conditions. In some embodiments, NANOLUC enables detection of captured cellular targets identified in a phenotypic screen.

In some embodiments, a substrate for the bioluminescent reporter is provided. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter converts the substrate into a reaction product and releases light energy, e.g., luminescence, as a byproduct. In some embodiments, the substrate is a substrate for a luciferase enzyme. In some embodiments, the substrate is a substrate for a modified, enhanced luciferase enzyme from Oplophorus, e.g., NANOLUC enzyme from Promega Corporation (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3). In some embodiments, the pro-substrate comprises coelenterazine, a coelenterazine derivative, a structural or functional equivalent of coelenterazine, a molecule substantially equivalent to coelenterazine (e.g., structurally and/or functionally), or molecule functionally or structurally similar to coelenterazine. In some embodiments, the bioluminescent reporter converts the coelenterazine, coelenterazine derivative, structural or functional equivalent of coelenterazine, or substantial equivalent to coelenterazine into coelenteramide, a coelenteramide derivative, a structural or functional equivalent of coelenteramide, or a substantial equivalent to coelenteramide and releases light energy as a byproduct.

In some embodiments, a cellular target is detected based on a characteristic of an attached reporter (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, mass (e.g., by MS), radioactivity, enzymatic activity, etc.). In some embodiments, a cellular target is detected based on a characteristic of the cellular target (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, mass (e.g., by MS), radioactivity, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a dimer of two capture proteins. In some embodiments, both capture proteins retain their activity when dimerized. In some embodiments, both capture proteins retain the ability to covalently bind their respective capture ligand. In some embodiments, a capture dimer is a heterodimer of two different capture proteins (e.g., that bind different capture ligands). In other embodiments, a capture dimer is a homodimer of two capture proteins with the same amino acid sequence that bind the same capture ligands. In some embodiments, two capture proteins are covalently linked. In some embodiments, the capture proteins are linked end-to-end (e.g., N-C-N-C, N-C-C-N, C-N-N-C, C-N-C-N). In some embodiments, a capture dimer is expressed as two fused proteins. In some embodiments, two capture proteins are attached post-expression (e.g., chemically, enzymatically, etc.) to produce a capture dimer. In some embodiments, the capture proteins (e.g., HALOTAG proteins) are fused, tethered, connected, etc. by any suitable structure or mechanism (e.g., expressed as a fusion, chemically linked (e.g., directly or indirectly), enzymatically linked, linked by a linker (e.g., peptide, nucleic acid, polymer, ester linkage, PEG linker, carbon chain, etc.)). The type of linkage should not be viewed as limiting. In some embodiments, the two capture proteins are directly linked. In some embodiments, the two capture proteins are separated by a linker. Any suitable linker (e.g., peptide (e.g., with protease cleavage site (e.g., TEV cleavage site)), other polymer, alkyl chain, substituted alkyl chain, etc.) may find use in connecting the capture proteins of a capture dimer. In some embodiments, one or both of the capture proteins comprise 70% or greater (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a capture protein as a monomer (e.g., not as a capture dimer). In some embodiments, a capture protein is linked to a solid surface (e.g., bead). In some embodiments, a plurality of capture proteins (e.g., as monomers) are attached to a surface. In some embodiments, a capture protein (e.g., HALOTAG proteins) is fused, tethered, connected, etc. by any suitable structure or mechanism (e.g., expressed as a fusion, chemically linked (e.g., directly or indirectly), enzymatically linked, linked by a linker (e.g., peptide, nucleic acid, polymer, ester linkage, PEG linker, carbon chain, etc.)). The type of linkage should not be viewed as limiting.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a sensitive method for discovery and validation of proteins or protein complexes that are the binding target of bioactive small molecule from cells. In some embodiments, methods involve selecting a library of small molecules with the desired phenotypic response (e.g., as determined from a phenotypic screen) and attaching a capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) by any suitable means (e.g., chemical synthesis). Cells are then treated with the small molecule/capture ligand (SM/CL) to re-generate the phenotypic response. In some embodiments, cells are then lysed, and SM/CL attached to protein or protein complexes are captured. In some embodiments, capture of SM/CL bound to protein complexes is mediated by a fusion of two capture proteins (aka “capture dimer”) that allows rapid capture to minimize dissociation of protein interactors and/or reduces the non-specific binding of other proteins. In some embodiments, capture is done on solid support with low non-specific binding properties. In some embodiments, target proteins (e.g., cellular targets) are eluted with high specificity, further reducing the background hence enabling better target identification.

In some embodiments, capture dimers (e.g., HALOTAG dimer) or a capture protein (e.g., HALOTAG) in conjunction with a small molecule/HALOTAG ligand conjugate is useful for validation of positive interactions in a high-throughput format.

In some embodiments, a capture dimer (e.g., HALOTAG dimer) or capture protein (e.g., HALOTAG) is provided for rapid capture of SM-CL bound to a cellular target (e.g., protein or protein complex). In some embodiments, a HALOTAG dimer or capture protein (e.g., HALOTAG) is used for capture of a bioactive agent/HALOTAG ligand conjugate bound to a cellular target of the bioactive agent. Characteristics of the HALOTAG dimer and/or HALOTAG protein that provide advantages over other capture systems, for example a) rapid kinetics of HALOTAG with HALOTAG ligand (e.g., even when the ligand is complexed with a large protein or protein complex) and b) rapid capture accomplished using two different formats (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a HALOTAG dimer (or another capture dimer) or HALOTAG protein (or other capture protein) is used to make HALOTAG protein beads (or other protein capture beads) for covalent capture of HALOTAG ligand (or other capture ligand). HALOTAG (or other capture protein) is oriented for maximum functional efficiency. Moreover, the HALOTAG dimer binding to the beads is quantitative, thereby allowing accurate control of the protein density at the bead surface. In other embodiments, HALOTAG dimer (or another capture dimer) is added to the solution in a certain stoichiometric excess to small molecule/HALOTAG ligand (or other capture ligand) to take advantage of rapid solution based kinetics for binding of small molecule/HALOTAG ligand (or other capture ligand) and protein complex. In some embodiments, a surface displaying a capture dimer, capture protein, capture ligand, and/or an optimized HALOLINK bead is used for specific capture of complex. In some embodiments, elution of protein complexes from the bead for downstream detection (e.g., mass spectrometry) is critical in identifying correct ‘hit’. In some embodiments, capture dimers (e.g., HALOTAG dimer) comprises a TEV cleavage site that allows selective elution of complexes leaving behind any non-specifically bound protein (e.g., improving signal over background). In some embodiments, using a multi-well plate activated with capture ligand (e.g., HALOTAG ligand), the assay is converted to a high throughput format (e.g., for validation).

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a surface displaying capture proteins (e.g., HALOTAG, HALOTAG dimer, etc.). In some embodiments, a surface is provided that displays ligands (e.g., HALOTAG ligand) for a capture protein on its surface. Capture dimers are added to the surface and become immobilized on the surface. The surface with capture dimers immobilized on its surface is then used to capture (capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complexes. In other embodiments, a surface is provided that displays functional groups that allow for immobilization of capture proteins to its surface. Any suitable chemistry may be used for such immobilization. Capture proteins are added to the surface and become immobilized on the surface (e.g., chemically, enzymatically, directly, through a linker, etc.). The surface with capture proteins immobilized on its surface is then used to capture (capture ligand)-(bioactive agent)-(cellular target) complexes.

EXPERIMENTAL Example 1

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of the present invention to demonstrate the functionality of the capture ligand/capture dimer method of capturing a cellular target of a bioactive agent.

HEK239T cells were grown in wells of 96-well or 6-well plates. The cells were transiently transfected with plasmid DNA expressing NANOLUC-p38 alpha or NANOLUC-HDAC6 (histone deacetylase 6) fusion proteins and incubated overnight at 37° C., 5% CO₂. 10 μM of the chloroalkane-drug conjugate BIRB-chloroalkane (for p38) or SAHA-chloroalkane (for HDAC6) was then added to the cells and incubate for 2 hours. Negative controls contained cells with no chloroalkane-drug conjugate. The media was then removed, and the cells washed in 1×PBS. The cells were lysed Mammalian Lysis Buffer (Promega Corp.) containing HALOTAG protein dimer (dimer of SEQ ID NO: 1) and DNase I for 10 minutes. MAGNE HALOLINK beads (1 μl bed volume) are then added to the lysed cells and incubated for 15 min. The lysate and beads are washed 3× at 3 minutes with shaking in wash buffer (25 mM Tris pH 7.5; 100 mM NaCl; 0.005% IGEPAL). The complex is then eluted from the beads using 150 μM unconjugated drug for an hour, and luminescence measured to detect luminescence from the NANOLUC luciferase in the elution (FIGS. 3A-D). Western/silver stain analysis of the lysates using anti-p38 was also performed (FIG. 4).

Example 2

Different amounts of a HALOTAG protein dimer (dimer of SEQ ID NO: 1) were added to cell lysates expressing a NANOLUC-p38 fusion protein (e.g., reporter/cellular-target fusion) which have or have not been treated with BIRB-chloroalkane (e.g., bioactive-agent/capture-ligand conjugate) as shown in Table 1. After 15 minute incubation, the samples were placed into wells of white, 96-well polystyrene plates activated with HALOTAG ligand (HALOLINK plates; Promega Corp.) and further incubated for 45 minutes. The wells were then washed PBS+0.05% Tween-20 (PBST). Then, 50 ul PBS followed by 50 ul of NANOGLO luciferase detection reagent was added to the wells, and luminescence measured.

Table 2 indicates differences in luminescence in samples with and without HALOTAG dimer (e.g., dimer of SEQ ID NO: 1) that indicate specific pull-down of the NANOLUC-p38 fusion protein.

TABLE 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 p38-Nluc expressing cells treated with drug No drug treatment No 2 ug/well 4 ug/well 6 ug/well 8 ug/well No 2 ug/well 4 ug/well 6 ug/well 8 ug/well HALOTAG HALOTAG dimer dimer

TABLE 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 278085 236900 290173 401205 395510 223779 198295 185512 157721 178179 275690 397958 462596 538956 526903 286611 338811 183151 265931 324898 443682 431167 587826 596504 610628 378080 301971 318238 298925 232258

Example 3

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of the present invention to demonstrate the efficiency of a pull-down of a target protein from cells onto HALOTAG protein beads using chloroalkane drug conjugates. In this example, a BIRB-chloroalkane conjugate (PBI-4834, see below) was utilized to pull down a NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion protein from living cells.

PBI4834 (BIRB Carbamate Chloroalkane)

HEK293 cells in wells of a 96-well plate were transfected using PEI with plasmid DNA encoding NANOLUC-p38 fusion. Twenty-four hours post-transfection, cells were incubated with a final concentration of 10 μM PBI-4834 while control cells were not treated with the conjugated drug. Following equilibration binding of 2 hours, the media was removed, cells were quickly washed with PBS and lysed in a detergent-based lysis buffer for 10 minutes. The cell lysates were then transferred to wells of a 96-well plate which contained 0.5 μl settled paramagnetic HALOTAG protein beads (Promega Corp.) and incubated with shaking for 15-45 minutes. Following binding, the unbound fraction was removed and the HALOTAG protein paramagnetic beads were washed. 150 uM unconjugated BIRB796 was then added and the captured NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion was specifically released from the beads by competition with the unconjugated BIRB796 for 60 minutes. The released NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion protein (+PBI-4834) and control (−PBI4834) was detected using NANOGLO luciferase reagent (Promega Corp.).

The high signal over background achieved within 15 minutes of capture on the HALOTAG protein beads demonstrates the efficiency of the capture method, and its ability to capture target proteins that bind to drugs with low to moderate affinity (FIG. 5). In this example, only 1% of the expressed fusion was specifically captured to the beads. However, because of the high sensitivity of the NANOLUC luciferase, the level of capture is more than ample for detection of specific capture over background.

Example 4

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of the present invention to demonstrate the advantage of a carbamate chloroalkane linker for pull-down of a target protein from cells onto HALOTAG protein beads using chloroalkane modified drugs. In this example, methotrexate-chloroalkane conjugates PBI-5015 (carbamate chloroalkane linker) and PBI-4848 (O2 chloroalkane linker) were tested for their binding efficiency to HALOTAG protein in lysate, binding efficiency to DHFR in cells and ability to pull down a NANOLUC-DHFR fusion protein from living cells.

PBI-5015: Methotrexate Carbamate Chloroalkane

PBI-4848: Methotrexate-O2 Chloroalkane

Binding efficiency to HALOTAG protein in lysate was measured by adding methotrexate-chloroalkane conjugates (final concentration 1 uM) to lysate from cells expressing a HALOTAG protein. Following 0-60 min binding, the reaction was chased with 1 μM fluorescent HALOTAG ligand. Unbound HALOTAG protein was detected through binding to the fluorescent HALOTAG ligand followed by analysis on a SDS-PAGE gel and detection on a fluorescent gel scanner. Results indicate that both linkers provide fast labeling kinetics to the HALOTAG protein (FIG. 6A).

Binding affinity to DHFR in live cells was tested using BRET. HEK293 cells in wells of a 96-well plate were transfected using PEI with plasmid DNA encoding a NANOLUC-DHFR fusion. The DNA was diluted 1:50 with a promoterless carrier DNA plasmid (PSI) to a final concentration of 80 ng total DNA per well. Twenty-four hours post-transfection, cells were serum starved for additional 24 hours and then treated with serially diluted PBI-4848 or PBI-5015 in the presence of 1 μM PBI-4890 (TOM-methotrexate derivative). After two hours of equilibration binding, furimazine (a coelenterazine derivative; Promega Corp.) was added to a final concentration of 20 μM, and BRET measured on a Varioskan luminometer. The dose-response BRET curves indicate that PBI-4848 has higher affinity to DHFR (FIG. 6B).

To demonstrate the ability to specifically pull down NANOLUC:DHFR (Nluc:DHFR) from live cells, HEK293 cells in wells of 96-well plate were transfected using PEI with plasmid DNA encoding NANOLUC-DHFR fusion. The DNA was diluted 1:50 with a promoterless carrier DNA plasmid (PSI) to a final concentration of 80 ng total DNA per well. Twenty-four hours post-transfection, cells were serum starved for additional 24 h and then incubated with 10 μM PBI-4848 or PBI-5015 while control cells were not treated with the conjugated drug. Following equilibration binding of 2 h, the media was removed, and the cells quickly washed with PBS and lysed in detergent-based lysis buffer for 10 min. Cell lysates were then transferred to wells of a 96-well plate containing 0.5 μl settled paramagnetic HALOTAG protein beads and incubated with shaking for 45 min. Following binding, the unbound fraction was removed, the HALOTAG protein paramagnetic beads washed, 150 μM unconjugated methotrexate added, and the captured NANOLUC:DHFR specifically released from the beads by competition with the unconjugated methotrexate for 60 min. The released NANOLUC:DHFR (+PBI5015 or +PBI 4848) and control samples were detected by NANOGLO luciferase detection reagent. Although both PBI-4848 and PBI-5015 have similar binding efficiency to HALOTAG, only PBI-5015 (which has lower affinity to DHFR) efficiently pulled down the Nluc:DHFR fusion, thus demonstrating the advantage of the carbamate linker in pull-down applications (FIG. 6C).

PBI-4890 Methotrexate-TOM

Example 5

Methods for specific release of a NANOLUC fusion protein from HALOTAG protein beads include, for example:

-   -   1. Competition with unconjugated bioactive agent;     -   2. Use of a bioactive agent tethered to a capture ligand (e.g.,         chloroalkane ligand) wherein the capture ligand contains a         chemically-cleavable linker (e.g., chloroalkane linker) to allow         fast release of the NANOLUC fusion protein;     -   3. Use of a capture ligand solid support (e.g., HALOLINK HALOTAG         resin) wherein the linker attaching the capture ligand (HALOTAG         ligand) to the solid support can be chemically cleaved allowing         fast release of the capture protein-capture ligand-bioactive         agent-cellular target complex (e.g., HALOTAG-chloroalkane-drug         conjugate-NANOLUC fusion protein complex); and     -   4. Proteolytic cleavage of the cellular target from the         reporter, e.g., NANOLUC fusion protein released the NANOLUC         protein.

Experiments were conducted during development of embodiments of the present invention to demonstrate such methods for specific release of the NANOLUC fusion protein from HALOTAG protein beads. In this example, BIRB-chloroalkane conjugate (PBI-4834) and BIRB chloroalkane conjugate containing a cleavable linker (PBI-5131) were utilized to pull-down a NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion protein from HEK293 cell lysates. Lysate of cells expressing NANOLUC-p38 fusion were incubated with 1 μM PBI-4834 or PBI-5131 (final concentration) while control lysates were not treated with the conjugated drugs. Following equilibration binding for 2 h, the lysates were transferred to wells of a 96-well plate containing 0.5 μl settled paramagnetic HALOTAG protein beads and incubated with shaking for 45 min. Following binding the unbound fraction was removed, the HALOTAG protein paramagnetic beads were washed 3×, and the captured NANLUC-p38 alpha fusion specifically released from the beads by one of two methods:

-   -   1. 150 μM unconjugated BIRB796 was used to compete for binding         with the conjugated BIRB796 on the NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion for         60 min.     -   2. The NANOLUC-p38 alpha fusion was rapidly released through 10         min chemical cleavage of the chloroalkane linker with 10 mM of         sodium hydrosulfite (PBI-5131 is a chloroalkane cleavable         linker).         The released NANOLUC-p38 alpha (+PBI4834/+PBI5131) and control         (-drug) were detected with NANOGLO luciferase detection reagent.         Although the pull-down efficiency with PBI-4834 (carbamate         linker) is significantly higher compared to PBI-5131, this         example demonstrates the benefit of rapid release using chemical         cleavage for minimizing background leading to significant         increase in specific capture (FIG. 7).

Example 6

The following provides synthesis schemes for exemplary compounds that find use in embodiments of the present invention.

PBI-4848: Methotrexate-O2 Chloroalkane

50 mg of methotrexate hydrate was stirred in 3 mL of DMF and treated with EDAC (63 mg, 330 umol) and triethylamine (77 uL, 550 umol). After 10 min, 12-chloro-3,6-dioxo-dodecylamine hydrochloride (21.5 mg, 83 umol) was added. After 3 h, the product was isolated by preparative HPLC (2→50% MeCN in 0.1% aqueous formic acid). The appropriate fractions were concentrated and lyophilized to yield an orange solid. Calculated for M+H, 660.3; found 660.7.

Methotrexate Pentylamine Intermediate

To a mixture of methotrexate hydrate (50 mg, 110 umol), EDAC (63 mg, 330 umol) and triethylamine (77 uL, 550 umol) in 2 mL of DMF, N-Boc cadaverine (22 mg, 110 umol) was added. The reaction was stirred for 90 min then quenched with 2 mL of 1 N HCl diluted with water and subjected to preparative HPLC (20→50% MeCN in 0.1% aqueous formic acid). The appropriate fractions were concentrated and lyophilized to yield the desired product. Calculated for M+H, 639.3; found 639.5.

Methotrexate N-Boc-cadaverine adduct (24 mg, 38 umol) was treated with 4 M HCl in dioxane (0.5 mL) at RT. Upon completion of the reaction, the solvents were removed under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was stirred with diethyl ether to form a yellow precipitate which was isolated by centrifugation. The hydrochloride salt was used without further characterization.

PBI-5015 Methotrexate Carbamate Chloroalkane

Methotrexate hydrate pentylamine HCl salt (8 mg, 14 umol) was combined with 2-(2-(2-(((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl, (2-(2-((6-chlorohexyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethylcarbamate (12 mg, 21 umol) and triethylamine in 2 mL DMF. After 2 h, the reaction was quenched by addition of 1 N HCl, and the product was isolated by preparative HPLC eluting with 10→50% MeCN in aqueous 0.1% formic acid. After concentration, the resulting yellow solid was taken up in DCM and washed with saturated NaHCO₃. Evaporation of the organic layer yielded 1.9 mg of a yellow solid. Calculated for M+H: 964.5, found 964.5.

PBI-4890 Methotrexate-TOM

Methotrexate hydrate pentylamine hydrochloride salt (6 mg, 10 umol) was combined with 5.4 mg of TOM succinimidyl ester (8.2 umol) in 1 mL of DMF, and 5 drops of TEA were added. After 45 min, the reaction was diluted with H₂O and MeCN and subjected to preparative HPLC (25→75% MeCN in 0.1% aqueous formic acid) followed by lyophilization to yield 6 mg of a blue solid. Calculated for M+H, 1083.5; found 1083.5.

BIRB Cleavable Linker Chloroalkane PBI 5131

Resorcinol (3.31 g, 30 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of DMF, and K₂CO₃ (3.32 g, 24 mmol) added. The mixture was stirred until all solid had dissolved, and the reaction turned a dark brown. 6-Bromohexanoate ethyl ester (4.69 g, 21 mmol) was added all at once, the reaction stirred overnight, and then poured into 1 M HCl and extracted with 3×50 mL EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, then adsorbed onto Celite and subjected to column chromatography eluting with 0→50% EtOAc in heptanes. Calculated for M+H, 254.1; found 253.8.

Ethyl 6-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)hexanoate (0.96 g, 3.8 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of MeOH and H2O, and LiOH hydrate (639 mg, 15.2 mmol) added. After 2 h, the reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and then acidified with 1 M HCl to give a white precipitate, which yielded 550 mg of a white solid after filtration and drying under vacuum. Calculated for M+H, 225.1; found 225.2. Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate (405 mg, 2.45 mmol) was stirred in 7.7 mL of a mixture of acetone/2 N HCl in an ice bath. A solution of sodium nitrite (215 mg, 3.12 mmol) dissolved in 8 mL of H₂O was added dropwise over 10 min, and the reaction was stirred for an additional 20 min. The reaction was then added dropwise over 20 min to a stirred solution of 6-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)hexanoate in 18 mL of 1 N NaOH in an ice bath, generating a dark red color. Stirring and cooling was continued for 40 min, and the reaction was then neutralized with 1 N HCl and diluted with water. The resulting brown precipitate was collected by filtration and directly carried on to the next step.

To a solution of the carboxylic acid from the previous step (50 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DMF (4 mL), 1-(1-(4-(aminomethyl)phenyl)-3-tertbutyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-(naphthalen-1-yl) urea (50 mg, 0.14 mmol), ethyl dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide (EDAC, 30 mg, 0.16 mmol) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt, 22 mg, 0.16 mmol) was added. After stirring for 40 h, the reaction was partitioned between EtOAc and NaHCO₃ (sat. aq.), the layers separated and the organic layer washed with water and NaCl (sat. aq.), dried and concentrated. The resulting red solid was purified by preparative HPLC (10%→100% ACN in 0.1% aqueous TFA) and subsequent concentration yielded 44 mg of an orange solid. Calculated for M+H: 745, found 745.

To a solution of the ester from the previous reaction (44 mg, 0.06 mmol) in THF (3 mL), NaOH (1N, 1 mL) was added. After stirring for 8 days, the reaction was acidified and purified by preparative HPLC (10%→100% ACN in 0.1% aqueous TFA) and subsequently concentrated to yield 25 mg of an orange solid. Calculated for M+H: 717, found 717.

To a solution of the carboxylic acid (14 mg, 0.02 mmol) from the previous reaction in DMF (2 mL), N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethyl-O—(N-succinimidyl)uronium tetrafluoroborate (TSTU, 12 mg, 0.04 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (17 μL, 0.1 mmol) was added. After stirring for 30 min, 2-[2-(6-chloro-hexyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethylammonium hydrochloride (Promega, 10 mg, 0.04 mmol) was added. After stirring for 36 h, the reaction was acidified and purified by preparative HPLC (10%→100% ACN in 0.1% aqueous TFA) and subsequently concentrated to yield 25 mg of PBI 5131 as an orange solid. Calculated for M+H: 923, found 923.

BIRB Carbamate Chloroalkane PBI 4834

1-(1-(4-((2-aminoacetamido)methyl)phenyl)-3-tert-butyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-phenylurea (10 mg, 18 umol) was combined with 2-(2-(2-(((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl (2-(2-((6-chlorohexyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethylcarbamate (12 mg, 21 umol) and diisopropylethylamine (0.01 mL, 0.06 mmol) in 2 mL DMF. After 2 h, the reaction was quenched by addition of 1 N HCl, and the product was isolated by preparative HPLC eluting with 10→100% MeCN in aqueous 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. Evaporation of the organic layer yielded 1.9 mg of a yellow solid. Calculated for M+: 846, found 846.

Boc-Protected SAHA Amine

7-Trityloxycarbamoyl heptanoic acid (Schaefer et al. Med Chem Lett 2008, 16, 2011-2033; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) (200 mg, 463 umol) was combined with 4-[(N-Boc)aminomethyl]aniline (113 mg, 510 umol), HBTU (352 mg, 927 umol) and triethylamine (194 uL, 1.4 mmol) in 3 mL of DMF. The reaction was stirred overnight, then adsorbed onto Celite, and the product was obtained by column chromatography eluting with a gradient of 0→100% EtOAc in heptanes. Calcd for M+H, 635.3; found 635.9.

SAHA Amine

Suberoyl(4-[(N-Boc)aminomethyl]anilide) hydroxamic acid (286 mg, 450 mmol) was dissolved in 2 mL of DCM to which 0.25 mL of TIS was added. Trifluoroacetic acid (0.9 mL) was then added, and the reaction was stirred for 30 min. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure, and the crude reaction product could be purified by preparative HPLC or used without further purification.

SAHA-Carbamate (SAHA-Chloroalkane) PHI 5040

Suberoyl[4-(aminomethyl)anilide]hydroxamic acid TFA salt (9 mg, 22 umol) was stirred in 1 mL of DMF with 1 drop of TEA. A 13-mg portion of 2-(2-(2-(((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl (2-(2-((6-chlorohexyl)oxy)ethoxy)ethylcarbamate (23 umol) in 0.5 mL of DMF was then added. After 90 min, the reaction was quenched by addition of H₂O and acidified with a small amount of TFA, and the desired product was isolated by preparative HPLC eluting with 5→60% MeCN in 0.1% aqueous TFA. Calcd for M+H, 719.4; found 719.

The following references are related to one or more of the above synthesis schemes and are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties: Hong et al. Am J Transl Res 2011, 3, 392; Murakata et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,926 Sep. 6, 1994; Tecle et al. J. M. Chem Biol Drug Des 2009, 74, 547-549; Hong et al. Am J Transl Res 2011, 3, 392.

Example 7 Endogenous Target Pull-Down (PBI-5015)

The following example demonstrates the ability of the chloroalkane-drug conjugate to isolate, e.g., pull-down, endogenous targets from cells.

HEK293 cells were plated into wells of a 6-well plate (2.5×10⁵ cells/well). 48 hours post plating, a final concentration of 10 uM of Methotrexate chloroalkane (PBI-5015) was added to 2 wells while control cells were not treated with the drug conjugate. Following equilibration binding for 2 h, the media was removed, and the cells quickly washed with PBS and lysed in detergent-based lysis buffer for 10 min. Cell lysates were then transferred to an Eppendorf® tube containing 12.5 ul of settled paramagnetic HALOTAG protein beads and incubated with shaking for 15 min. Following binding, the unbound fraction was removed, the HALOTAG paramagnetic beads washed 3×, and the captured targets specifically released from the beads by competition with 150 μM unconjugated methotrexate for 60 mins. The released targets were subjected to mass spec analysis as well as western blot analysis using an anti-DHFR antibody (Sigma). Results in FIG. 1A demonstrate that DHFR, a known target of methotrexate, can be specifically isolated, e.g., pulled down from the cells. Furthermore, although the expression level of DHFR in the cells is very low (not detected in lysate by western blot analysis), it was still efficiently captured as indicated by the western blot analysis (FIG. 8A) and mass spec analysis (FIG. 8B). In addition, the mass spec data indicates that with this method has very low background.

Example 8 Endogenous Target Pull-Down (PBI-4834)

The following example demonstrates the ability of the chloroalkane-drug conjugate to isolate, e.g., pull-down, endogenous targets from cells.

HEK293 cells were plated in a 6 well plate (2.5×10⁵ cells). 48 hours post plating, a final concentration of 10 uM of BIRB-chloroalkane (PBI-4834) was added to 2 wells while control cells were not treated with the drug conjugate. Following equilibration binding for 2 h, the media was removed, and the cells were quickly washed with PBS and lysed in detergent-based lysis buffer for 10 min. Cell lysates were then transferred to an EPPENDORF tube containing 12.5 ul of settled paramagnetic HALOTAG protein beads and incubated with shaking for 15 min. Following binding, the unbound fraction was removed, the HALOTAG protein paramagnetic beads washed 3×, and the captured targets specifically released from the beads by competition with 150 μM unconjugated BIRB796 for 60 min. The released targets were subjected to mass spec analysis as well as western blot analysis using an anti-p38 alpha antibody (Abcam). Results in FIG. 9A indicates that p38 alpha, a known target of BIRB796, can be specifically isolated, e.g., pulled down, from t cells as indicated by the western blot analysis (FIG. 2A) and mass spec analysis (FIG. 9B). In addition, the mass spec data indicates that with this method has very low background.

Example 9 Coupling HALOTAG Protein to Paramagnetic Beads

A. Synthesis of Step 4 Paramagnetic Resin

4-((2-cyanobenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)amino)-4-oxobutanoic Acid (1)

6-aminobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile (2.0 g, 11.4 mmol), succinic anhydride (1.3 g, 13 mmol) and THF (15 mL) were placed in a 25 mL vessel and heated in a microwave synthesizer for 90 minutes at 110° C. Upon cooling, the reaction mixture was triturated with Et₂O and filtered, dried and evaporated to give 3.1 g of the product as a light yellow solid (99%). 1H-NMR (d6-DMSO, 300 MHz): δ 12.15 (s, 1H), 10.45 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 2.62 (m, 2H), 2.55 (m, 2H). ESI-MS: Calc. C12H10N3O3S+: m/z 276.3; found m/z 276.

Tert-Butyl (18-((2-cyanobenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)amino)-15,18-dioxo-4,7,10-trioxa-14-azaoctadecyl)carbamate (2)

Compound 1 (4.93 g, 17.9 mmol), tert-butyl (3-(2-(2-(3-aminopropoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)propyl)carbamate (7.40 g, 23.1 mmol) and DCM:DMF (10:1, 100 mL) were stirred together in a 250 mL round bottomed flask at room temperature. EDAC (4.0 g, 20.9 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for 20 h. The solvent was evaporated and purified by normal phase chromatography with DCM/MeOH as solvent to give 6.62 g of a white solid (64%). 1H-NMR (d3-ACN, 300 MHz): δ 9.21 (s, NH), 8.62 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 8.09 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.63 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.65 (bs, NH), 5.40 (bs, NH), 3.5 (m, 12H), 3.28 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.70 (m, 4H), 1.40 (s, 9H). ESI-MS: Calc. C27H40N5O7S+: m/z 578.7; found m/z 578.4.

N1-(3-(2-(2-(3-aminopropoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)propyl)-N4-(2-cyanobenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)succinamide Hydrochloride (3)

Compound 2 (6.62 g, 11.5 mmol) was stirred in a 500 mL round bottomed flask with DCM (200 mL) and triisopropylsilane (1 mL). A 4.0 M solution of HCl in dioxane (30 mL, 120 mmol) was added and stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated to give 6.4 g of a yellow hygroscopic solid (98%). 1H-NMR (d6-DMSO, 300 MHz): δ 10.62 (s, 1H), 8.74 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 8.15 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 3.4 (m, 16H), 3.28 (m, 2H), 3.08 (m, 2H), 2.80 (m, 2H), 2.61 (m, 2H), 2.41 (m, 2H), 1.80, (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H). ESI-MS: Calc. C22H32N5O5S+: m/z 478.59; found m/z 478.2.

Immobilized Cyanobenzothiazole-Magnetic Cellulose (4)

Carboxymethyl magnetic cellulose (7.24 g, 30-50 μm, Iontosorb MG CM) was taken up in a 250 mL round bottomed flask with compound 3 (800 mg, 1.53 mmol) in DMF (100 mL). EDAC (387 mg, 2.01 mmol) was added, and the reaction was stirred for 20 h at room temperature. The particles were filtered on a frit and rinsed first with DMF (200 mL) then 25% EtOH (300 mL) and stored as a 50% suspension at 4° C.

B. Synthesis of HALOTAG Protein Paramagnetic Beads

To create the HALOTAG protein paramagnetic beads, HALOTAG protein was immobilized onto the paramagnetic STEP 4 resin through an N-terminal cysteine. HALOTAG protein was expressed in E. coli as a HisTag-miniGroEL HALOTAG fusion with a TEV protease recognition site (EDLYFQC) between HALOTAG protein and the miniGroEL sequences. The fusion was purified using HisTag and then cleaved with the TEV protease in the presence of 2 mM TCEP to expose an N-terminal reduced cysteine. The reactive cyano group on the STEP 4 resin reacts with the reduced N-terminal cysteine to form a very stable bond resulting with the HALOTAG protein beads.

All publications and patents mentioned in the present application and/or listed below are herein incorporated by reference. Various modification and variation of the described methods and compositions of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A kit comprising: (a) a cell that expresses a fusion of a bioluminescent reporter and a cellular target of a small molecule bioactive agent, wherein the cellular target is located within a cell; (b) the small molecule bioactive agent tethered by a carbamate linker to a chloroalkane capture ligand, wherein the small molecule bioactive agent tethered to a chloroalkane capture ligand is cell permeable, and wherein the small molecule bioactive agent is capable of non-covalently binding to the cellular target upon interaction thereof under intracellular conditions; and (c) a solid surface displaying a capture protein, wherein the capture protein comprises a modified dehalogenase configured to covalently bind to the chloroalkane capture ligand upon interaction thereof.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the bioluminescent reporter comprises a polypeptide with at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.:
 3. 3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the capture protein comprises at least 70% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO.:
 1. 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the solid surface is selected from the list consisting of: a well, a tube, a slide, a plate, a matrix, resin or a bead.
 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the solid surface is magnetic or paramagnetic. 